Puffers Pond
Park
0.1 mi
4.5 (553)
Mill River, Amherst, MA 01002
Swimming, fishing & boating are popular in this 11-acre pond with a perimeter trail & beaches.
PondMA
Puffers Pond
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Check Puffer's Pond's town water-quality advisory before a visit. Find beach and dog rules, restricted dam areas, parking limits and Amherst conservation contacts.
Water type
Pond
Access
Swimming temporarily closed
Fee
The reviewed town pages do not publish a current admission tariff. Confirm any visit or group-use requirements rather than treating older no-fee copy as a current booking policy.
Best season
Choose a marked-trail visit within posted hours, checking restrictions first. Do not use a summer date as a substitute for current water-quality guidance
Nearby towns
Amherst, Springfield
Water body
Puffers Pond
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Amherst, Springfield
Access location not verified
42.41536, -72.51726
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Puffers Pond
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Read the water-quality notice before considering a swim
The town page fetched on October 8, 2026 carries a September 1 advisory against swimming because its latest reported E. coli results do not meet state standards. This is not a current-day sample report or a permanent prohibition. Check for a newer update and contact Public Health at 413-259-3077. The old clear-water and groundwater-cleanliness claims have been removed.
Keep parking and emergency access clear
Use only signed parking spaces or permitted roadside sections. The town rules prohibit parking in front of gates, overnight from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m., and on the south side of State Street between Sand Hill Road and the main entrance gate. The historical map point is not a verified beach entrance.
Stay on trails, not the dam or cliffs
General hours are 6 a.m. to dusk. Stay on marked trails; the dam and cliff area is off limits, and cliff jumping is prohibited. Dogs cannot use either beach or the pond water. General swimming rules provide no lifeguard, and they do not override a later water-quality advisory.
Confirm facilities rather than relying on old copy
Ask Conservation at 413-259-3045 about current amenities and route needs. Proposed restroom or beach improvements are not proof of completed facilities. The gallery provides historical conservation-area and winter scenery, not a water-quality report, ice-safety assessment or accessible-entry survey.
Getting There
Use current town guidance for Puffer's Pond in North Amherst. Parking is permitted only as signed in parking areas or along allowed roadside sections. Keep emergency gates clear. Do not park on the south side of State Street between Sand Hill Road and the main entrance gate. The retained historical pin is not a verified beach gate, parking space or accessible water entry.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
Fresh October 8 town response shows a September 1, 2026 notice advising against swimming. General pond hours are 6 a.m. to dusk; parking is prohibited from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. Public Health handles swimming-status questions at 413-259-3077. Older permitted-swimming language and scenic photos do not override a later advisory.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Puffers Falls
Tourist attraction
0.1 mi
4.6 (141)
Mill River, Amherst, MA 01002
Puffers Pond loop trail
Hiking area
0.1 mi
5 (3)
Amherst, MA 01002
Quabbin Visitor Center
State government office
12.7 mi
4.7 (78)
100 Winsor Dam Rd, Belchertown, MA 01007
Restroom
United Site Services
Portable toilet supplier
18.6 mi
2.8 (14)
295 Pasco Rd, Springfield, MA 01151
Gender-neutral restroom
William C. Sullivan Regional Visitor Center
Visitor center
22 mi
4 (4)
1319 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103
Restroom
مكتب تبياتة اسماء ام ليث
Public bathroom
22.3 mi
5 (1)
903 Main St, West Springfield, MA 01089
Forest park
Public bathroom
23 mi
5 (2)
Springfield, MA 01108
Frequently Asked Questions About Puffers Pond
Is Puffer's Pond recommended for swimming now?
The town response fetched October 8, 2026 shows a September 1 advisory against swimming. Check for a newer update and contact Public Health at 413-259-3077 before considering water entry.
Are lifeguards provided?
The general town rules say no lifeguard is on duty. Follow the latest water-quality guidance regardless of the general permitted-swimming wording.
Can I park anywhere on State Street?
No. Follow posted restrictions, keep gates clear and avoid the south side between Sand Hill Road and the main entrance gate. Parking is prohibited from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Can dogs use the beaches or pond?
The town rules prohibit dogs on both beaches and in the pond water. Keep dogs leashed on permitted routes.
Can I jump from the cliffs or use the dam?
No. The town rules make the dam and cliff area off limits and prohibit cliff jumping.
Do photos confirm current facilities or water quality?
No. They are historical scenery. Contact Conservation for facility and route questions and Public Health for current swimming status.
Highlights
Town-managed North Amherst conservation area
Named North and South beaches with water-quality updates
Marked woodland trails and seasonal pond scenery
Unique Features
Also known as Factory Hollow Pond in the town's overview
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Follow the town's swimming advisory and beach signs
- General rules state no lifeguard and require adult supervision for children under 12
- Dam and cliff areas are off limits and cliff jumping is prohibited
- Clear-looking water does not establish water quality; the previous groundwater-cleanliness claim is not a reliable basis for entering
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Located near Amherst, a town known for its rich literary and academic history, Puffers Pond is a beloved local landmark and a popular spot for students and families alike.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Conservation-area sign, woodland trail and footbridge, and winter pond scenery. Historical images do not establish current water quality, ice safety or swimming permission.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Stay on marked trails. Dogs are prohibited from both beaches and the pond water; keep them leashed on permitted routes. No glass, alcohol, smoking or fires, including grills, around the pond. Keep emergency access open and remove litter.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Choose a marked-trail visit within posted hours, checking restrictions first. Do not use a summer date as a substitute for current water-quality guidance; the town's latest published advisory is against swimming.
Difficulty Level
Ask Conservation about the exact route, slopes and mobility needs. Neither a trail photo nor a pond's calm appearance establishes easy entry or suitability for children. Stay out of the dam and cliff area.
Fee
The reviewed town pages do not publish a current admission tariff. Confirm any visit or group-use requirements rather than treating older no-fee copy as a current booking policy.
Facilities
Contact Amherst Conservation at 413-259-3045 for route and facility needs. Historical trail and bridge photos are not proof of a step-free approach or currently usable facilities.
Activities
Marked-trail walking, birdwatching and conservation-area sightseeing subject to current restrictions; swimming is not recommended under the latest posted town advisory
Phone
413-259-3077
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
No overnight campground is established by the reviewed town pages. Ask Conservation about permitted land uses; do not treat conservation land or a group-use approval process as camping permission.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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